Payment terminal : The complete guide to help you choose
The payment terminal has become an indispensable tool for any Canadian business. In 2024, the Canadian payments market reached 22.5 billion transactions for a total value of $12.2 trillion, according to Payments Canada. Canadians use Interac products more than 20 million times a day, and contactless mobile payments jumped 53% in 2024 over the previous year.
This comprehensive guide will help you choose the ideal payment terminal for your business. Whether you run a restaurant, a retail store or a mobile service, you’ll find all the information you need to make an informed decision.
At Geasy Pay, we are official resellers of Global Payments solutions in Canada. We offer personalized assistance in French, competitive rates and local support in Quebec.
What is a payment terminal?
A payment terminal, also known as an Interac machine or card reader, is a device that enables merchants to accept credit card, debit card and contactless payments. The terminal reads the customer’s credit card information, communicates with the payment networks (Visa, Mastercard, Interac) and authorizes the transaction in a matter of seconds.
Modern terminals accept all popular payment methods in Canada: EMV chip cards, contactless cards (NFC), mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, as well as international cards for your tourist clientele.
In Canada, more than 800,000 merchants accept Interac Debit payments. The Interac network processed 1.4 billion e-Transfer transactions in 2024, representing $554 billion in value. This robust infrastructure guarantees fast, secure transactions for your business.
How does a payment terminal work?
The payment process consists of four main steps, all completed in a matter of seconds.
Map reading : The customer presents their card (insert, swipe or contactless) or phone. The terminal captures the encrypted information via EMV chip or NFC technology.
Request for authorization : The terminal instantly sends an authorization request via the Visa, Mastercard or Interac networks. This communication uses the terminal’s Internet connection (Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE or Ethernet cable).
Bank verification : The issuing bank verifies the validity of the card, the availability of funds and the absence of fraud. Modern security systems have reduced Canadian debit card fraud by 76% since the introduction of EMV chips.
Payment confirmation : If approved, the terminal displays the confirmation and prints or e-mails the receipt. Funds are deposited into your bank account within the timeframe agreed with your supplier.
They trust us, why shouldn't you?
The different types of payment terminal available
The choice of terminal type depends on your business activity, transaction volume and mobility requirements.
Fixed payment terminal
The fixed payment terminal is the classic solution, ideal for shops with a stationary point of sale.
Connected to an electrical outlet and the Internet, this type of terminal offers optimum reliability for retail outlets, restaurants with counter and pharmacies.
Global Payments fixed terminals accept all payment methods: smart cards, magnetic cards, contactless payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Our solution : Ingenico Desk 5000
Mobile payment terminal
The mobile payment terminal is equipped with a battery and an integrated SIM card, enabling payments to be accepted anywhere thanks to 4G/LTE or WiFi connectivity.
This solution is perfect for sit-down restaurants, food trucks, markets and any business on the move.
Global Payments mobile terminals offer exceptional battery life and can process payments even in areas with limited signal.
Wireless payment terminal
Turn any location into a point of sale with a Global Payments wireless payment terminal.
This wireless terminal follows you everywhere: at your customers’ table for fast service in restaurants, on the terrace or on the road for your events and markets.
Flexibility above all: choose your connection mode from wired IP, 4G LTE or Wi-Fi, depending on your environment.
Our solution : Ingenico Move 5000
Intelligent payment terminal
Global Payments smart terminals represent the next generation of HTML5 touchscreen terminals, offering similar functionality to modern mobile devices.
These all-in-one payment terminals not only accept payments, but also manage inventory and loyalty programs, tips and even order taking.
Our solution: Terminal A920
External or integrated PIN pads
Global Payments’ integrated PIN pad transforms your payment experience. Your customers enter their PIN code quickly and discreetly, directly on a dedicated keypad.
Faster queues, less frustration and more sales in the same day.
Accept all payment methods without exception: smart cards, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay.
Contact us at 438-806-0450 to find out which type of payment terminal is right for your business!
We're here to help you succeed!
Frequently asked questions about the payment terminal
How much does a payment terminal cost?
Prices depend on hardware and transaction volumes. GeasyPay always offers a solution to suit your budget.
What are your competitive advantages?
GeasyPay is your partner, not just a supplier.
Local expertise in Quebec and Canada.
Global Payments partner with several major brands: Ingenico, Desjardins, PAX, Vérifone
Fast, human support in both English and French
MEV / MEV Web compliant solutions.
Transparent advice: no forced contracts, no hidden fees.
Fast installation and personalized follow-up.
How do I choose the payment terminal best suited to my needs?
To choose the ideal terminal, consider the nature of your business, the volume of transactions, the types of payment accepted and the functionalities required. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the selection process, based on your specific needs.
What's the difference between a POS system and a payment terminal?
A point-of-sale system POS is a combination of software and hardware used to manage business transactions, including the sale of products or services.
It typically includes retail software for item entry, price calculation, transaction processing and inventory management.
A POS may also include features such as customer management, sales tracking, reporting and integration with other systems such as accounting.A payment terminal is an electronic device used to process credit or debit card payments.
It consists of a card reader and a keypad allowing customers to enter their PIN or sign to authorize the transaction.
Payment terminals can be fixed or portable. They can support different types of payment card, including smart cards and contactless cards.
Payment terminals are often used as a complement to a POS system, but they can also be used as stand-alones in certain cases, such as at trade fairs or temporary events.What are the advantages of using a payment terminal?
Payment terminals offer the convenience of accepting all payment methods: credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay… Offering these payment methods enhances the shopping experience for your customers. What’s more, they make it easier to manage transactions and reduce the risks associated with handling cash.
How do I deploy my new solution?
Installing a payment terminal isn’t just about plugging in a device.
Our approach:
- Complete diagnosis of your environment and needs.
- Recommendation of the best solution (hardware + software).
- Physical installation and configuration of Web MEV.
- Full tests on site.
- Training your team.
- Continuous support in English and French
What payment methods do the terminals accept?
Global Payments payment terminals support a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.), contactless payments, mobile applications and even online payments.
What happens if my Internet connection goes down?
Mobile terminals with integrated SIM cards operate on the cellular network and are not dependent on WiFi. For fixed terminals, some models can store transactions in offline mode and transmit them once the connection is re-established.
Can I change my payment terminal if my needs change?
Absolutely! As your business evolves, so must your payment solutions. We can upgrade your payment terminal to a more advanced model or add additional terminals for new locations at any time.
Is my terminal MEV-Web-compliant in Quebec?
Restaurants and catering establishments in Quebec must use a system certified MEV-Web by Revenu Québec. Geasy Pay offers solutions that comply with these regulations. Contact us to check compatibility with your business.
How long does a payment terminal last?
A well-maintained terminal generally operates for 5 to 7 years. Software updates extend its lifespan by adding new features and maintaining compliance with security standards. Geasy Pay offers warranties and maintenance contracts to keep your equipment running smoothly.
Which payment terminal is right for your business?
Global Payments is a world leader in payment processing. Their highly secure, scalable technology infrastructure guarantees exceptional speed and reliability for your business. By choosing a Global Payments payment terminal via Geasy Pay, you benefit from decades of expertise in payment innovation.
Restaurant and café
Our payment terminals for restaurants and cafés enable payment at the table, reducing customer waiting times and increasing table turnover.
Visit tip management is integrated, with customizable suggested percentage options. Intelligent terminals can also be used to take orders directly at the table, optimizing service and reducing errors.
Retail trade
For retail retailour fixed or wireless payment terminals offer ultra-fast transactions at the counter.
Inventory management features let you track your stock in real time.
Integrated gift card and loyalty programs help you build customer loyalty and increase repeat sales.
Professional services and practice
Doctors, dentistsaccountants, lawyers and other professionals can accept payments professionally and securely.
Our payment terminals can handle fractional payments, deposits and recurring payments.
Data confidentiality and security are guaranteed in compliance with the strictest regulations.
Mobile businesses and events
Food trucks, markets, trade shows, event sales – our mobile payment terminals with 4G connectivity work anywhere in Canada. No dependence on local WiFi.
Accept payments wherever your business takes you, with the same reliability as a fixed business.
Accommodation and hotels
Visit hotels, inns and other lodging establishments have unique payment needs. Our Global Payments payment terminals integrate seamlessly with your existing hotel management systems for a smooth check-in and check-out process.
Accept security deposits, pre-authorizations and deferred payments with ease.
Service station and convenience store
The oil industry and convenience stores require robust 24/7 payment solutions.
Our Global Payments terminals support payment at the pump and at the counter, with pre-authorization options for gasoline and final validation based on the actual amount pumped.
How to choose your payment terminal? 7 essential criteria
Choosing a payment terminal shouldn’t be based on purchase price alone.
- Your sector of activity : A restaurant needs to manage tips and payment at the table. A retail business will favor integration with the cash register. A food truck needs stand-alone 4G connectivity. Identify the features that are essential to your business.
- Your transaction volume : The higher your volume, the greater the impact of transaction costs on your profitability. A business processing $35,000 a month in card payments can save several hundred dollars a year by negotiating its rates. Geasy Pay offers rates tailored to your volume.
- Accepted payment methods : By 2024, 69% of young Generation Z Canadians will be using a mobile wallet to pay. Make sure your terminal accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and contactless cards in addition to traditional cards.
- Connectivity : Wi-Fi, 4G/LTE, Ethernet: each option has its advantages. Wi-Fi is suitable for fixed locations with a stable network. 4G offers total freedom, but incurs data charges. A wired connection guarantees maximum reliability.
- Integration with your tools : Your terminal needs to communicate with your POS system, accounting software and sales reports. Seamless integration prevents data entry errors, duplication and data loss. Geasy Pay ensures compatibility with all major market solutions.
- Technical support : A broken terminal means lost sales. Choose a supplier offering available human support, ideally in French and accessible 24/7. Low-cost solutions often only offer e-mail support, with long response times.
- Regulatory compliance: In Quebec, restaurants must use a MEV-Web system that complies with Revenu Québec requirements. Check that your terminal complies with PCI DSS standards for payment data security.
Simplify your transactions with Global Payments payment terminals
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How much does a payment terminal REALLY cost?
A payment terminal will cost between $20 and $100/month to rent in Quebec in 2026.
Integration and compatibility
Your payment terminal doesn’t have to work alone. GeasyPay takes care of all the ancillary integrations to avoid data entry errors, duplication and data loss.
A single tool, connected and fluid.
